Suggest the best ski field/area in Japan for my circumstances

[smit0847]

I'm looking to go skiing in Japan in late January next year and would like some advice on where to go. We have toured Japan extensively during summer before so are very familiar with (and love) the culture, customs, food, people etc.

We're both intermediate skiiers, very comfortable on blue runs in Australia, we've also skiied in NZ several times and find the blue runs there challenging but scary (they're much steeper than in Australia!). Attempted a black run in NZ but it felt dangerous as our skills arent quite up to it. We would like a large-ish place with varied intermediate runs but don't want to be herded like cattle at a mega-resort - would prefer something with a bit of culture.

We generally like to experience as much local culture as possible when we travel and actively avoid Australians overseas. I LOVED Osaka because there were so few tourists there. We respect the locals and enjoy learning about their culture. I don't want to drink Fosters or eat meat pies - we only ate Japanese food and drink last time we were there and loved it. Not really looking for epic nightlife although some would be good - we're just as happy to relax in an onsen as go to a club.

We'll be slightly pressed for time - prob arrive in Tokyo on either the Sunday night or Monday morning and would be looking to be back in Tokyo by the Saturday night. So we would be looking for either easy transport options from Tokyo or cheap flights to CTS. We dont intend to spend much time in Tokyo as we did 9 days just there last time.

We're not on a super tight budget (no backpackers) but we like to get good value when we travel (the exchange rate is looking much better than it was when we were last there 3 years ago).

I'm overwhelmed by the amount of choice and the number of ski fields. From my brief research, Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen seem to good choices. Where would you suggest?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Cynicor]

Those were the first two destinations to my mind. Not been to either but mates have and they enjoyed it. Both will have an abundance of Aussies but less than somewhere such as Niseko.

Can't comment much more than that. Many of the resorts that are not full of Aussies are quite small so it's finding the right balance that is key.

 

[Fifa]

I can highly recommend Furano Ski Resort with its consistent powder.
FURANO?PRINCE SNOW RESORTS

We are high intermediate skiers and have skied there three times.
It is a resort that has everything, is easily accessible by bus from CTS, no crowds, no lift lines, reasonably priced accommodation and meals, and a town of approx 25,000 nearby (walk or bus).
We have stayed on both the Kitanomine side and the Furano side and prefer Kitanomine as there is more choice of accommodation and eateries. It is also easy to walk into town.

Only two hotels are ski-in/ski-out - New Furano Prince Hotel and Furano Prince Hotel but there are other hotels, pensions and apartments right across the road from the lifts.

In January/February this year we skied for 16 days at Niseko, Tomamu and Furano and both agreed Furano was our fave resort.
I feel Niseko is too expensive now, with overpriced accommodation and meals and far too many Aussies! We stayed at the Green Leaf Hotel at Niseko Village at the start of this year's holiday and it was outstanding and I can thoroughly recommend it - it's been recently renovated and we loved the facilities and ambience.
Tomamu was lots of fun but would get a little boring after 4 or 5 days. Prices there are really reasonable.

Friends of ours have been to Nozawa Onsen three times and love it so we may give that a try next time as well for a week.
We spent a week at Hakuba a few years ago but I don't think I would return as you have to catch buses to access a lot of the resorts and the snow wasn't fantastic the year we went.

I booked everything myself using a travel agent in Japan and got an amazing price for our package which was so much cheaper than booking a ski package through an Australian TA. Our QF flights CBR-SYD-NRT-CTS return were only $1046.

Wherever you go, you'll have an amazing time.
We have skied in Japan every second year for the last 8 years and plan on going back next year as we love it so much .

 

[steph_vz]

I've been to Niseko a couple of times now (advanced level skier) and Rusutsu once. I think you would prefer Rusutsu as its more for an intermediate level, however with Niseko you have the choice of 4 mountains and plenty of off-piste (gates) - each having their own strengths, and therefore more variety. You can also do day trips to other resorts in the area - a good way to "taste" before booking a week long holiday there. Yes, there are lots of Aussies in Niseko, but the food is great and you can find little restaurants hidden throughout each of the villages and surrounds. The only downside is the lengthy transfer from CTS - approx. 2.5 hours. Its very scenic though!

 

[Daver6]

I recently went to Hakuba. There are 9 different ski areas all connected via a free bus system.

The buses cant be a bit sporadic, but did the job.

Based on your skiing ability, I think you will do just fine there. Plenty of wide groomed runs from green to black.

I think the biggest disappointment you will have is the place is full of Australians. We avoided Niseko for this reason!

Getting there from Shinjuku took about 4 hours by train. There are faster options if you want to get up super-early.

Feel free to ask further questions either here or via PM if you want more info on Hakuba.

 

[lovestotravel]

I would have a look over at ski.com.au forums

This question has been asked a few times over there, and feel free to start another thread if needed